More generators to be installed at power station amid changing demand
THREE new engines are being installed in Lerwick Power Station to increase its generating capacity and to meet expected increased demand once the station goes into standby mode.
The three 6MW engines are expected to be installed in the diesel-powered station by the end of 2025.
Lerwick Power Station is due to go into standby mode at the end of next year once the local grid is connected into Shetland’s new energy set-up, which includes the subsea HVDC cable to the mainland.
This cable is already installed and exports power from the Viking wind farm, but it will also be able to bring power to Shetland in the future.
A 68MW battery park is being built in Lerwick to keep the lights on if there is an outage in the electricity supply set-up, such as for planned maintenance, and the power station needs to kick back into full operation.
However, Shetland’s power demands are changing.
Work is ongoing to connect Sullom Voe Terminal to the local grid for the first time, while the terminal’s own gas-fired power station is set to be shut down.
With future demand changing, additional generation is required at the power station – leading to the plans to install three new generators.
Power station operator SSEN has applied to vary its permits with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) for the new engines.
Documents from the application say the Shetland battery project, led by Zenobe, is scheduled to be completed between October and December 2026.
A spokesperson for SSEN Distribution said: “Lerwick Power Station will move into standby mode on the completion of the new Battery Energy Storage System in 2026.
“In the event of an outage on the new high-voltage link connecting Shetland and mainland Scotland, the battery system will provide an immediate source of temporary power for homes and businesses, allowing the power station time to safely exit its standby mode and deliver power until the subsea link is back online.
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“These three engines will ensure the power station has the capacity required to support both current and future demand, is even more reliable and emits much less pollution, benefitting both communities and industry across Shetland.
“Following their delivery earlier this summer, installation of the new engines is currently under way, and they are expected to be operational around the end of 2025.”
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